Route 57 project to shift into this weekend

NJDOT officials announced that the project to replace three individual Route 57 bridge superstructures in Mansfield Township, Warren County is scheduled to shift into the next construction stage this weekend.

The ongoing $1.8 million project - which began construction in February - is replacing the superstructures of two bridges located over branches of the Musconetcong River (at mileposts 13.91 and 14.07) and one located over Hances Brook (at milepost 18.1).

This weekend, NJDOT’s contractor, H&G Contractors, Inc., is scheduled to implement a new traffic pattern change for the second stage of construction to begin construction on the westbound half of the bridge at milepost 18.13 (over Hances Brook). During this stage, Route 57 westbound will be closed and detoured at the milepost 18.13 bridge, with eastbound traffic maintained.

Westbound traffic will be directed to Airport Road to Rockport Road to Thomas Road to Heiser Road returning to Route 57

The contractor is utilizing multiple crews to simultaneously advance work on the bridge at milepost 14.07 and on the westbound half of the bridge at milepost 13.91. The project is being advanced in three stages, with corresponding traffic shifts, closures and detours necessary. NJDOT anticipates the project being completed in early 2014.

In addition, a truck detour was implemented at the start of construction and remains in place around the project limits. The truck detour will utilize only state highways as local roads are not suitable for truck traffic.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website 511nj.org real-time travel information.